Story Pirates let children tell celebrities what to do during live L.A. improv show

Kids don’t generally get to tell the grown-ups what to do, but with Story Pirates, it’s not only encouraged – it’s absolutely imperative. The bi-coastal multi-media company Story Pirates has produced a children’s podcast, TV show, several children’s books, music albums and a live tour that has at times featured big-name actors, comedians, writers and…

Senior living: Seeking to shift costs to Medicare, more employers move retirees to advantage plans

Susan Jaffe, Kaiser Health News An increasing number of employers over the past decade have used the federal government’s Medicare Advantage program as an alternative to their existing retiree health plans and traditional Medicare coverage — a deal that, experts say, saves money but one that could also disrupt health care for retirees. Employers and…

Travel: Going to Europe during the pandemic? Plan for the unexpected

The allure is there — lower priced flights, hotels, smaller crowds. These conditions enticed us to Spain for winter break. My fiancé Megan and I just can’t resist the call for a travel adventure, but still remain cautious regarding COVID-19 guidelines. Our ultimate goal was to road trip Spain’s various cities, enjoy the architecture, food…

China calls Russia its chief ‘strategic partner’ despite war

By KEN MORITSUGU BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister on Monday called Russia his country’s “most important strategic partner” as Beijing continues to refuse to condemn the invasion of Ukraine despite growing pressure from the U.S. and European Union to use its influence to rein Moscow in. Wang Yi said Chinese ties with Moscow constitute…

Russia sets cease-fire for evacuations but battles continue

By YURAS KARMANAU LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia announced yet another limited cease-fire and a handful of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to flee Ukraine starting Monday, although the evacuation routes were mostly leading to Russia and its ally Belarus, drawing withering criticism from Ukraine and others. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of resorting to “medieval…

Death toll surpasses 6 million for pandemic now in 3rd year

By DAVID RISING BANGKOK (AP) — The official global death toll from COVID-19 eclipsed 6 million on Monday — underscoring that the pandemic, now entering its third year, is far from over. The milestone, recorded by Johns Hopkins University, is the latest tragic reminder of the unrelenting nature of the pandemic even as people are…

Crisis deepens, Ukraine accuses Moscow of ‘medieval’ tactics

By YURAS KARMANAU LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepened Monday as Russian forces intensified their shelling and food, water, heat and medicine grew increasingly scarce, in what the country condemned as a medieval-style siege by Moscow to batter it into submission. A third round of talks between the two sides ended…

Live updates: Congress seeks to restrict trade with Russia

By The Associated Press The latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine war: WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House is exploring legislation to further isolate Russia from the global economy, including banning the import of its oil and energy products into the U.S. Amid rising gasoline prices in the U.S., the Biden administration has…

FBI searches for ‘Black & White Sneaker Bandit’ who targeted 8 Orange County banks

A man dubbed the “Black & White Sneaker Bandit” was recently seen on camera allegedly robbing at least eight banks across central and north Orange County, according to federal investigators. The FBI in Los Angeles released images of the man taken from bank security cameras in Fullerton, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. The photos show…

Russia sets cease-fire for evacuations but battles continue

By YURAS KARMANAU LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia announced yet another limited cease-fire and a handful of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to flee Ukraine starting Monday, although the evacuation routes were mostly leading to Russia and its ally Belarus, drawing withering criticism from Ukraine and others. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of resorting to “medieval…

FBI searches for ‘Black & White Sneaker Bandit’ who targeted 8 Orange County banks

A man dubbed the “Black & White Sneaker Bandit” was recently seen on camera allegedly robbing at least eight banks across central and north Orange County, according to federal investigators. The FBI in Los Angeles released images of the man taken from bank security cameras in Fullerton, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. The photos show…

Senior living: Seeking to shift costs to Medicare, more employers move retirees to advantage plans

Susan Jaffe, Kaiser Health News An increasing number of employers over the past decade have used the federal government’s Medicare Advantage program as an alternative to their existing retiree health plans and traditional Medicare coverage — a deal that, experts say, saves money but one that could also disrupt health care for retirees. Employers and…

Live updates: Congress seeks to restrict trade with Russia

By The Associated Press The latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine war: WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House is exploring legislation to further isolate Russia from the global economy, including banning the import of its oil and energy products into the U.S. Amid rising gasoline prices in the U.S., the Biden administration has…

China calls Russia its chief ‘strategic partner’ despite war

By KEN MORITSUGU BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister on Monday called Russia his country’s “most important strategic partner” as Beijing continues to refuse to condemn the invasion of Ukraine despite growing pressure from the U.S. and European Union to use its influence to rein Moscow in. Wang Yi said Chinese ties with Moscow constitute…

Cal State Fullerton tops UC Davis, secures No. 2 seed for Big West tourney

FULLERTON — Cal State Fullerton was down by nine points late in the second half against UC Davis on Saturday and staring at the possibility of a third straight loss to end the regular season. But losing wasn’t on E.J. Anosike’s mind. It was senior night, and the fifth-year transfer had flown his mother in…

Beached whale in Malibu is rescued, then euthanized due to injuries

MALIBU — Los Angeles County lifeguards and firefighters saved a stranded sperm whale Sunday from a Malibu Beach. It was later euthanized because of its injuries. [Marine Mammal Rescue] – At approximately 4:40 pm Lifeguards and @LACOFD responded to the Malibu Surfrider Beach for a report of a pygmy sperm whale stranded on the beach.…

US markets set for lower open; oil prices continue to surge

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. markets were heading for a lower open Monday, following global markets as oil prices jumped and the conflict in Ukraine deepened amid mounting calls for harsher sanctions against Russia. Future contracts for the Dow Jones Industrials and S&P 500 both fell 0.6%. European markets opened lower and the price of…

the history of Irvine califonia

What is the history of Irvine califonia? The history of Irvine, California, dates back to the early 1800s when Spanish missionaries established a Catholic mission in the area. The city was officially incorporated in 1971, and has since grown into a major suburban community with a population of over 250,000. Irvine is known for its…

Russia snubs UN court hearings in case brought by Ukraine

By MIKE CORDER THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Ukraine pleaded with the United Nations’ top court Monday to order Russia to halt its devastating invasion, saying Moscow is already committing widespread war crimes and “resorting to tactics reminiscent of medieval siege warfare” in its 12-day-old military onslaught. Russia snubbed the International Court of Justice hearings…